Golf club head cover

ABSTRACT

A golf club head cover including a head portion that defines a compartment that receives a golf club head and a sleeve portion that extends from the head portion and defines a sleeve conduit having an open end. The sleeve conduit is in communication with the compartment and the open end is positioned opposite the compartment. The sleeve portion is constructed from a first material and a second material. The second material is more elastic than the first material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/084,641, filed Nov. 26, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/108,447, filed on Jan. 27, 2015. The contents of the disclosureslisted above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to club head covers, and in particular toclub head covers having a handle for removal of the golf club head coverfrom a golf club head.

Proper care of golf clubs is required both to maximize their usable lifeand to maintain their performance. An important aspect of proper careincludes protecting golf club heads from damage due to impact with othergolf club heads or exposure to environmental elements when the clubs arenot in use. As such, club head covers are widely used for many types ofgolf clubs, such as putters and wood-type golf clubs. Many existing clubhead covers are typically removed by gripping them anywhere theindividual is able to grasp the club head cover, which usually involvestrying to pinch or squeeze excess material of the club head cover toremove it from the golf club head; however such a technique can becumbersome. Although there are club head covers having a strap to assistin removing the golf club head, such straps are thin and of constantwidth which can be difficult for the individual to conveniently grasp orhandle to efficiently remove the club head cover. In addition, the forcerequired to be applied to such thin straps to remove the club head coverfrom the golf club head, which have increased in volume in recent years,can also lead to the material of the club head cover being overlystretched and elongated after repeated removal. This action can alsobend and apply stress to the shaft of the golf club as the individualattempts to remove the club head cover from the golf club head.Moreover, thin pull straps may also become damaged over time due toconstant use that can produce stress points, which can cause the pullstrap to break over time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front side perspective view of a golf club head coveraccording to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear side perspective view of the golf club head cover ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the golf club head cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3a is another top view of the golf club head cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the golf club head cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4a is another bottom view of the golf club head cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front of the golf club head cover of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6, 6 a, and 6 b are views from an open end of the golf club headcover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a first side view of the golf club head cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a second side view of the golf club head cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is another second side view of the golf club head cover of FIG.1.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the golf club head cover of FIG. 1 with a golfclub head inserted therein.

FIG. 11 is another side view of the golf club head cover of FIG. 1 witha golf club head inserted therein.

FIG. 12a is a bottom side view of the golf club head cover of FIG. 1 andincluding an auxiliary handle.

FIG. 12b is a bottom side view of the golf club head cover of FIG. 1 andincluding an alternative auxiliary handle.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a golf club head cover according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a golf club head cover according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15a is a bottom view of a golf club head cover according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15b is a bottom view of a golf club head cover according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a golf club head cover according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a golf club head cover according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of a golf club head cover according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a golf club head cover according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing the golfclub covers of FIGS. 1-19.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate a golf club head cover according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of golf club head covers include a head portiondefining a compartment that receives a golf club head and a sleeveportion extending from the head portion and defining a sleeve conduithaving an open end, the sleeve conduit being in communication with thecompartment, the open end being positioned opposite the compartment, thesleeve portion being constructed from a first material and a secondmaterial, the second material being more elastic than the firstmaterial. In some embodiments, the compartment is constructed from thefirst material. The open end is substantially rectangularly-shaped orsubstantially ovular. The sleeve portion and the compartment define apassageway that is configured to receive a golf club head therethrough.The compartment is selectively expandable and the sleeve portion isselectively expandable, the sleeve portion being expandableindependently of the compartment. A narrowed region is configured toselectively expand the passageway. In some embodiments, the golf clubhead cover further includes a top surface having an arcuately-shapedportion extending between a first side and a second side, a bottomsurface having an arcuately-shaped portion extending between a firstside and a second side, the arcuately-shaped portion of the bottomsurface coupled to the arcuately-shaped portion of the top surface, thetop surface and the bottom surface at least partially defining the headportion, a first elastic member extending between the first side of thetop surface and the second side of the bottom surface, and a secondelastic member extending between the second side of the top surface andthe first side of the bottom surface, the first and the second elasticmembers defining a portion of the sleeve portion, wherein the topsurface, the bottom surface, the first elastic member, and the secondelastic member define the open end. In some embodiments, the golf clubhead cover further includes a handle coupled to the top surface, thehandle formed as a pocket that has an opening that faces in asubstantially downwardly-opening direction toward the open end.

Other embodiments of golf club head covers include a body including ahead portion that defines a compartment and a sleeve portion extendingfrom the head portion and defining a sleeve conduit having an open endbeing positioned opposite the compartment, the body including a topsurface including a substantially arcuately-shaped portion extendingbetween a first side and a second side, a bottom surface including asubstantially arcuately-shaped portion extending between a first sideand a second side, the arcuately-shaped portion of the bottom surfacebeing coupled to the arcuately-shaped portion of the top surface, thetop surface and the bottom surface at least partially defining the headportion, and an elastic member defining at least a portion of the sleeveportion. In some embodiments, the top surface and the bottom surface areconstructed from a first material that is less elastic than the elasticmember. The top surface, the bottom surface, and the elastic memberdefine the open end. The open end is substantially rectangularly-shapedor substantially ovular. The sleeve portion and the compartment define apassageway that is configured to receive a golf club head therethrough.The compartment is selectively expandable and the sleeve portion isselectively expandable, the sleeve portion being expandableindependently of the compartment. A narrowed region is configured toselectively expand the passageway. The golf club head cover may furtherinclude a handle coupled to the top surface, the handle formed as apocket that has an opening that faces in a substantiallydownwardly-opening direction toward the open end.

Other embodiments of golf club head covers include a body having a topsurface, a bottom surf ace coupled to the top surface, the top surfaceand the bottom surface defining a compartment, a first elastic memberextending between the top surface and the bottom surface, a secondelastic member extending between the top surface and the bottom surface,the first and the second elastic members defining at least a portion ofa sleeve portion, the sleeve portion in communication with thecompartment and having an open end at an end opposite the compartment,and a narrowed region coupled between the first elastic member and thesecond elastic member, the narrowed region configured to selectivelyexpand the sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the compartment isselectively expandable and the sleeve portion is selectively expandable,the sleeve portion being expandable independently of the compartment.The top surface, the bottom surface, the first elastic member and thesecond elastic member define the open end. The open end is substantiallyrectangularly-shaped or substantially ovular. The golf club head covermay further include a handle coupled to the top surface, the handleformed as a pocket that has an opening that faces in a substantiallydownwardly-opening direction toward the open end.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate an exemplary golf club 10 including a golf clubhead 14 that is coupled to a shaft 18. The golf club head 14 defines atoe portion 22 and a heel portion 26. The exemplary golf club head 14 isthat of a driver-type golf club, a wood-type golf club, or a hybrid-typegolf club. The golf club 14 may be also be an iron-type golf club or aputter-type golf club in other embodiments. The golf club 10 may haveany suitable size or shape (e.g., volume).

FIGS. 1-11 illustrate a head cover 100 that is configured to receive thegolf club head 14 and at least a portion of the shaft 18. The head cover100 includes a body 104 having a head portion 106 that defines acompartment 108 and a sleeve portion 112 that defines a sleeve conduit118. The sleeve conduit 118 has an open end 122 of the body 104. Thesleeve portion 112 extends from the compartment 108 such that the sleeveconduit 118 is in communication with the compartment 108. Accordingly,the open end 122 is opposite from the compartment 108. Both thecompartment 108 and the sleeve portion 112 are selectively expandableand therefore, configured to receive the golf club head 14. As such, apassageway 126 is defined from the open end 122 of the body 104 throughthe sleeve conduit 118 to the compartment 108 (FIG. 2). The passageway126 allows the insertion and removal of the golf club head 14 to andfrom the compartment 108 via the sleeve portion 112. Further, when thegolf club head 14 is received within the compartment 108, a portion ofthe shaft 18 of the golf club 10 is covered by the sleeve portion 112.

The body 104 includes a first or top surface 150 (FIG. 3) that has asubstantially arcuately-shaped portion 154 that extends between a firstside 158 and a second side 162. The body 104 also includes a second orbottom surface 168 (FIG. 4) that has a substantially arcuately-shapedportion 170 that extends between a first side 174 and a second side 178.The substantially arcuately-shaped portions 154, 170 of each of the topand bottom surfaces 150, 168 are coupled to one another near a first ordistal end 182 of the head cover 100. The substantially arcuately-shapedportions 154, 170 of each of the top and the bottoms surfaces 150, 168at least partially define the compartment 108.

The top surface 150 also includes a first handle 200 that is configuredto assist in removing the head cover 100 from the golf club head 14. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, the handle 200 is formed as a pockethaving an opening that faces in a substantially downwardly-openingdirection away from the arcuately-shaped portion 154. In the embodimentsof FIGS. 1-11 the pocket is substantially semi-circular, although inother embodiments the pocket may form a linear or straight line. Thedownwardly-facing pocket 200 may have any suitable configuration,however. For example, the pocket 200 may be substantially flat 200 a(FIGS. 1-11) or have two sides 200 b that form an angle α therebetween(FIG. 16). The angle a between the two sides 200 b may form any suitableangle a therebetween. Additionally, while the pocket handles 200 a ofFIGS. 1-11 and 16 are substantially centered relative to the top surface150, the pockets 200 a, 200 b may be positioned anywhere on the topsurface 150, instead. For example, the pockets 200 a, 200 b may bepositioned closer to the first and the second sides of the top surface,respectively. Alternatively, the handle 200 may have otherconfigurations. For example, the handle 200 may be a substantiallyV-shaped handle 200 c (FIG. 17) and defining a channel 204 therethroughthat extends between the first and the second sides 158, 162 of the topsurface 150. The handle 200 may alternatively be a substantiallyY-shaped handle 200 d, 200 d′ (FIGS. 18 and 19) such that three openings208, 208′ are defined between the handle 200 d, 200 d′ and the topsurface 150. In other embodiments, such as that of FIGS. 21-23, topsurface 150 may not include a pocket.

Further with respect to FIGS. 1-11, the body 104 includes a firstflexible or elastic member or panel 220 and a second flexible or elasticmember or panel 224. The first and the second elastic members 220, 224extend between and are coupled to the top and the bottom surfaces 150,168. In particular, the first elastic member 220 is coupled between thefirst side 158 of the top surface 150 and the second side 178 of thebottom surface 168, while the second elastic member 224 is coupledbetween the second side 162 of the top surface 150 and the first side174 of the bottom surface 168.

The body 104 also includes a narrowed region 230 that is positionedbetween the head portion 106 and the open end 122. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-11 and 21-23, the narrowed region 230 is embodied as elasticstitching 234, 238 that extends from the first elastic member 220 to thesecond elastic member 224 across the bottom surface 168. In theembodiment of FIGS. 12a -12 b, the narrowed region 230 is embodied aselastic stitching 234, 238 that extends between the first side 174 andthe second side 178 of the bottom surface 168, above the first andsecond elastic members 220, 224. In the illustrated embodiments, thenarrowed region 230 includes two strips of elastic stitching 234, 328.In other embodiments, the narrowed region 230 can include any number ofelastic stitching strips, such as, one, two, three, four, five, or anyother number of elastic stitching strips.

The elastic stitching 234, 238, which is constructed from an elasticmaterial, causes the bottom surface 168 of the head cover 100 to puckeror gather along at least a portion of sleeve portion 112, whichconstricts or pinches the passageway 126 in the narrowed region 230.Accordingly, the sleeve conduit 118 includes a relaxed, un-stretchedposition (FIGS. 1-4 a and 11) that constricts or pinches the passageway126. The elastic stitching 234, 238 allows the narrowed region 230 to beselectively expanded to a stretched position (FIG. 10) such that thepassageway 126 is selectively expandable to allow the golf club head 14to be removably received in the compartment 108. The elastic materialmay be polyester elastic thread or threads of neoprene, elastane,polyester, acrylic nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, elastex, and Kevlaror any suitable elastic synthetic fabric. The narrowed region 230 may beimplemented in other ways. For example, an auxiliary elastic member mayextend between the first and the second elastic members 220, 224.

The body 104 may also include an auxiliary handle 250 (FIGS. 12a, 12b ,and 21-23). In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary handle 250 iscircumferentially positioned around the open end 122 on both the firstelastic member 220 and the second elastic member 220. In someembodiments, the auxiliary handle 250 can be circumferentiallypositioned around the entire open end 122, or around the open end 122 onthe top surface 150 and the bottom surface 168. In other embodiments,the auxiliary handle 250 may only be on one elastic member, or only onone side (e.g., the top surface 150 or the bottom surface 168) of thehead cover 100. In other embodiments still, the auxiliary handle 250 maybe positioned at other locations (e.g., spaced apart from the open end122) of the body 104 of the head cover 100. As illustrated, theauxiliary handle 250 extends horizontally relative to the head cover100. In other embodiments, the auxiliary handle 250 may extendvertically relative to the head cover 100, instead. Further, theauxiliary handle 250 may include any suitable indicia. In manyembodiments, the auxiliary handle 250 can facilitate fast and easypositioning of the head cover 100 over a golf club head. For example,during use, the auxiliary handle 250 can allow a user to have betterpositioning control of the head cover 100 to secure the head cover 100over the club head.

The top and bottom surfaces 150, 168 are preferably constructed from amaterial that exhibits a first elasticity. The material of the top andthe bottom surfaces 150, 168 may be formed from at least one of leather,neoprene, polyethylene, polyurethane, synthetic rubber, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS), plastic, or fabric material. The top and thebottom surfaces 150, 168 also includes a liner 270 constructed from feltor cloth, for example, although other soft materials may alternativelybe used. As a result, an exterior surface 274 of each of the top and thebottom surfaces 150, 168 is constructed from leather and an interiorsurface 278 of each of the top and the bottom surfaces 150, 168 isconstructed from felt. The felt or other suitable soft material isdesigned to protect the golf club head 14 from being scratched and theleather or other suitable material is substantially water resistant andalso protects the integrity of the golf club head 14. The first and thesecond elastic members 220, 224 are constructed from a second materialthat exhibits a second elasticity and is capable of being repeatedlystretched. The material of the first and the second elastic members220-224 may be elastic polyester sock material, a ribbed elasticpolyester sock material, polyurethane, neoprene, elastane, polyester,acrylic nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, elastex, and Kevlar or anysuitable elastic synthetic fabric. The second material is more elasticthan the first material.

The compartment 108 of the head cover 100 includes a first, unexpandedstate (FIGS. 1-9) and a second, expanded state (FIG. 11). As illustratedin FIGS. 1-9, when the head cover 100 is in the unexpanded state, thecompartment 108 is substantially collapsed. As illustrated in FIG. 10,the head cover 100 achieves the expanded state when the golf club head14 is inserted into the compartment 108.

The sleeve portion 112 is configured to progressively expand as a golfclub head 14 is inserted into and moves therethrough to the compartment108. Accordingly, the sleeve portion 112 expands and collapsesindependently of the compartment 108. When a golf club head 14 isinserted into the open end 122 of the sleeve portion 112, the first andthe second elastic members 220, 224 enable the passageway to expand toaccommodate the volume of the golf club head 14. For example, thepressure or force exerted by the golf club head 14 as it is insertedinto the open end 122 forces the sleeve portion 112 to expand. As thegolf club head 14 continues to be inserted into the sleeve conduit 118,the continued pressure or force exerted by the golf club head 14 expandsthe passageway 126 at the narrowed region 230 to allow the golf clubhead 14 to pass from the sleeve portion 112 into the compartment 108.Once the golf club head passes the narrowed region 230 and is positionedwithin the compartment 108, the passageway 126 contracts so that thehead cover 100 securely hugs the golf club head 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, a length L of the golf club head cover100 is preferably in the range of 5 inches to 15 inches. The length L ofthe golf club head cover 100 is dependent upon the type of golf club 10for which the golf club head cover 100 is designed to cover. Therefore,in the illustrated embodiments, the golf club head cover 100 isapproximately 14 inches, which is suitable for a driver-type golf club.However, the golf club head cover 100 may be 5.0 inches, 5.1 inches, 5.2inches, 5.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8inches, 5.9 inches, 6.0 inches, 6.1 inches, 6.2 inches, 6.3 inches, 6.4inches, 6.5 inches, 6.6 inches, 6.7 inches, 6.8 inches, 6.9 inches, 7.0inches, 7.1 inches, 7.2 inches, 7.3 inches, 7.4 inches, 7.5 inches, 7.6inches, 7.7 inches, 7.8 inches, 7.9 inches, 8.0 inches, 8.1 inches, 8.2inches, 8.3 inches, 8.4 inches, 8.5 inches, 8.6 inches, 8.7 inches, 8.8inches, 8.9 inches, 9.0 inches, 9.1 inches, 9.2 inches, 9.3 inches, 9.4inches, 9.5 inches, 9.6 inches, 9.7 inches, 9.8 inches, 9.9 inches, 10.0inches, 10.1 inches, 10.2 inches, 10.3 inches, 10.4 inches, 10.5 inches,10.6 inches, 10.7 inches, 10.8 inches, 10.9 inches, 11.0 inches, 11.1inches, 11.2 inches, 11.3 inches, 11.4 inches, 11.5 inches, 11.6 inches,11.7 inches, 11.8 inches, 11.9 inches, 12.0 inches, 12.1 inches, 12.2inches, 12.3 inches, 12.4 inches, 12.5 inches, 12.6 inches, 12.7 inches,12.8 inches, 12.9 inches, 13.0 inches, 13.1 inches, 13.2 inches, 13.3inches, 13.4 inches, 13.5 inches, 13.6 inches, 13.7 inches, 13.8 inches,13.9 inches, 14.0 inches, 14.1 inches, 14.2 inches, 14.3 inches, 14.4inches, 14.5 inches, 14.6 inches, 14.7 inches, 14.8 inches, 14.9 inches,or 15.0 inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 150 and the bottomsurface 168 include a width W_(b) that is defined between the respectivefirst sides 158, 174 and the second sides 164, 178. The widths W_(b)decrease or narrow in a direction from the substantiallyarcuately-shaped portions 154, 170 to the open end. The widths W_(b) atthe narrowest point is adjacent the open end 122 and is preferably inthe range of 0.5-2.0 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the widthW_(b) at the narrowest point is approximately 1.5 inches. However, inadditional embodiments the width W_(b) may be approximately 0.5 inches,0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.1 inches,1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.7 inches,1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, or 2.0 inches. In other embodiments it is alsocontemplated that the width W_(b) may be uniform or may increase betweenthe respective first sides 158, 174 and the second sides 164, 178.

Also, the first and the second elastic members 220, 224 aresubstantially triangularly shaped and define a base that has a widthW_(f). The widths W_(f) at the widest point is adjacent the open end 122and is preferably in the range of 1.0-3.0 inches. In the illustratedembodiment, the width W_(t) at the widest point is approximately 2.5inches. However, in additional embodiments the width W_(t) may beapproximately 1.0 inches, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.7 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0inches, 2.1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.6inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, or 3.0 inches. In otherembodiments it is also contemplated that the first and the secondelastic members may be shaped differently. For example, in otherembodiments, the first and the second elastic members 220, 224 may berectangular such that the width W_(f) is be uniform or may be aninverted triangle such that the width W_(f) may increase in a directionaway from the open end.

As a result of this configuration, the sleeve portion 112 is both easilycollapsible and provides an enlarged open end 122, which will bediscussed below, when compared to known head covers.

Prior to the golf club head 14 being inserted into the passageway 126and when not in use, the first and the second elastic members 220, 224be folded or flattened outwardly such that the sleeve portion 112flattens and defines a width W_(t) of the body 104 near the open end122. Therefore, as illustrated, the sleeve portion 112 when not in useis substantially rectangularly-shaped and substantially flat. The widthW_(t) is preferably in the range of approximately 2.0-6.0 inches. In theembodiments illustrated herein, the width W_(t) is approximately 4.5inches. However, in additional embodiments the width W_(t) may beapproximately 2.0 inches, 2.1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4inches, 2.5 inches, 2.6 inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, 3.0inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.3 inches, 3.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2inches, 4.3 inches, 4.4 inches, 4.5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4.7 inches, 4.8inches, 4.9 inches, 5.0 inches, 5.1 inches, 5.2 inches, 5.3 inches, 5.4inches, 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or6.0 inches. When preparing to insert the golf club head 14 into thesleeve portion 112 through the open end 122, the sleeve conduit 118defines substantially a pyramid that is truncated. Accordingly, the openend 122 of the sleeve portion is defined by the width W_(b) of the topand the bottom surfaces 150, 168 at the open end 122 and the width ofthe base W_(f) of the first elastic member 220 and the second elasticmember 224 such that the open end 122 is substantially rectangular anddefines an area (W_(b)*W_(f)) of about 0.25-6.0 inches². In theillustrated embodiments, the area of the open end is approximately 3.75inches. However, in other embodiments the area may be approximately 0.2inches², 0.3 inches², 0.4 inches², 0.5 inches², 0.6 inches², 0.7inches², 0.8 inches², 0.9 inches², 1.0 inches², 1.1 inches², 1.2inches², 1.3 inches², 1.4 inches², 1.5 inches², 1.6 inches², 1.7inches², 1.8 inches², 1.9 inches², 2.0 inches², 2.1 inches², 2.2inches², 2.3 inches², 2.4 inches², 2.5 inches², 2.6 inches², 2.7inches², 2.8 inches², 2.9 inches², 3.0 inches², 3.1 inches², 3.2inches², 3.3 inches², 3.4 inches², 3.5 inches², 3.6 inches², 3.7inches², 3.8 inches², 3.9 inches², 4.0 inches², 4.1 inches², 4.2inches², 4.3 inches², 4.4 inches², 4.5 inches², 4.6 inches², 4.7inches², 4.8 inches², 4.9 inches², 5.0 inches², 5.1 inches², 5.2inches², 5.3 inches², 5.4 inches², 5.5 inches², 5.6 inches², 5.7inches², 5.8 inches², 5.9 inches², or 6.0 inches². When manipulated inother ways the open end 122 takes on other shapes. For example, the openend is also ovular as illustrated in FIG. 6b but the area defined by theopen end 122 remains substantially the same. Because the first and thesecond elastic members 220, 224 are substantially triangular, the widthW_(f) decreases along the length of the sleeve conduit 118. Accordingly,the passageway 126 from the open end 122 through the sleeve portion 112narrows along the length of the sleeve conduit 118 to the narrowedregion 230. The elastic stitching 234, 238 of the narrowed region 230constricts the passageway 126 in the area of the narrowed region 230.However, because of the elastic material of the first and the secondelastic members 220, 224 and the narrowed region 230, the passageway 126is configured to selectively expand to allow the golf club head 14 topass therethrough. Once the golf club head 14 has passed the elasticproperties of the first and the second elastic members 220, 224 and thenarrowed region 230 are configured to contract the passageway 126 toensure that the head cover 100 remains secured about the golf club head14.

To remove the head cover 100 from the golf club head 14, the user onlyhas to exert a force on the handle 200 away from the golf club 10.

Because the inventive configuration of the sleeve portion 112, the headcover 100 is more easily applied and removed to the golf club head 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the compartment 108 defines an axis A andthe sleeve portion defines an axis B. The first axis A and the secondaxis B are positioned at an angle β relative to one another when thehead cover 100 is not in use (FIG. 7). The angle β is preferably lessthan 180 degrees. When head cover 100 is in use, the compartment 108moves relative to the sleeve portion 112 such that the angle β betweenthe two axes A, B decreases (FIG. 11).

The golf club head cover 100 may have other configurations as well. Forexample, FIG. 13 illustrates a golf club head cover 300 according toanother embodiment of the invention. The golf club head cover 300 ofFIG. 13 is similar to the golf club head cover 100 of FIGS. 1-11.Therefore, like structure will be identified by like reference numbersplus “200” and only the differences will be discussed hereafter.

The golf club head cover 300 of FIG. 13 includes a continuous elasticmember or panel 420 that extends between the top and the bottom surfaces350, 368 (only the bottom surface 368 is shown) such that the continuouselastic member 420 completely surrounds both the top and bottom surfaces368 on all sides. The top and bottom surfaces 350, 368 are constructedfrom the first material and the continuous elastic member 420 isconstructed from the second material discussed above with respect toFIGS. 1-11.

Another exemplary head cover 500 is illustrated in FIGS. 14. The golfclub head cover 500 of FIG. 14 is similar to the golf club head cover100 of FIGS. 1-11. Therefore, like structure will be identified by likereference numbers plus “400” and only the differences will be discussedhereafter.

The golf club head cover 500 of FIG. 14 includes a central elasticmember or panel 620 that makes up a portion of the bottom surface 568.Although, not illustrated, the top surface 550 may also include acentral or elastic member or panel 620. The top and bottom surfaces 350,368 are constructed from the first material and the central elasticmember 620 is constructed from the second material discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 1-11. Accordingly, both the head portion 506 and thesleeve portion 512 are constructed from both the first material and thesecond material.

Other exemplary head covers 700 is illustrated in FIGS. 15a . The golfclub head covers 700 of FIGS. 15a and 15b are similar to the golf clubhead cover 100 of FIGS. 1-11. Therefore, like structure will beidentified by like reference numbers plus “600” and only the differenceswill be discussed hereafter.

The golf club head covers 700 include an elastic member or panel 820 a,820 b that extends between the top surface 754 and the bottom surface768 (only the bottom surface 768 is shown) on only one side of the golfclub head cover 700. Additionally, although the illustrated elasticmembers 820 a, 820 b make up a portion of both the head portion 706 andthe sleeve portion 712 in FIGS. 15a, 15b , in other embodiments, theelastic members 820 a, 820 b may extend only along the length of thesleeve portion 712 as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-11. Thetop and bottom surfaces 750, 768 are constructed from the first materialand the elastic members 820 a, 820 b are constructed from the secondmaterial discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-11. Accordingly, boththe sleeve portion 712 or the head portion 706 and the sleeve portion712 may be constructed from both the first material and the secondmaterial.

Referring to FIGS. 21-24, in some embodiments, the head cover 100 caninclude the auxiliary handle 250 as described above, and be devoid ofthe first handle 200 or pocket. Further, the open end 122 of the headcover 100 can be substantially larger than the open end of current headcovers, thereby allowing easier positioning of the head cover 100 overthe golf club head 14. In the embodiment of FIGS. 21-24, the width W_(b)is at the narrowest point near the narrowed region 230 of the head cover100 and increases toward the open end 122. Further, the narrowed region230 of the head cover 100 can include elastic stitching 234, 238, asdescribed above, to facilitate expansion when positioning the head cover100 over the club head 14, and contraction when the head cover 100 ispositioned over the club head 14, thereby provisionally securing thehead cover 100 in place.

Further referring to FIGS. 21-24, in these or other embodiments,positioning of the head cover 100 over the club head 14 can besimplified due to the large opening at the open end 122 of the clubhead, the narrowed region 230 having the elastic stitching 234, 238,and/or the auxiliary handle 250. For example, to position the head cover100 over the club head 14, the user can exert a force on the auxiliaryhandle 250 in the direction of the shaft 18. Further, in these or otherembodiments, removing the head cover 100 from the club head 14 can besimplified due to the large opening at the open end 122 of the club headand/or the narrowed region 230 having the elastic stitching 234, 238.For example, to remove the head cover 100, the user can exert a force onthe body 104 of the head cover 100 away from the club head 14.

Referring to FIG. 20, a flow chart illustrates one method formanufacturing the club head cover 100. At block 2000, the club headcover 100 is formed having the head portion 106 and the sleeve portion112. As discussed above, the club head cover 100 may be formed from atleast one of leather, neoprene, polyethylene, polyurethane, syntheticrubber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), plastic, or fabricmaterial. At block 2004, the compartment 108 is formed within the headportion 106 which is configured to cover the golf club head 14. Inembodiment of FIGS. 1-11, the hollow compartment 108 is wider at orproximate to the distal end 182 than at an end at or proximate to anopposite end 183 of the distal end 182. At block 2008, the sleeveconduit 118 is formed within the sleeve portion 112 so that the sleeveconduit 118 communicates with the open end 122 configured to allow thepassage of the golf club head 14 into the sleeve conduit 118. At block2012, the handle 200 is formed on top surface 150 of the head portion106.

Although FIGS. 1-20 illustrate club head covers 100, 300, 500, and 700having a particular symmetrical configuration, the apparatus and methodsdescribed herein may include other symmetrical or asymmetricalconfigurations. For example, the club head covers 100, 300, 500, and 700may have a circular configuration from the top view. In another example,the club head covers 100, 300, 500, and 700 may have a more amorphousshape that “form fits” the golf club head. Similarly, the handle 200 mayhave any of the configurations illustrated and described herein.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf club head cover comprising: a head portiondefining a compartment that receives a golf club head; and a sleeveportion extending from the head portion and defining a sleeve conduithaving an open end, the sleeve conduit being in communication with thecompartment, the open end being positioned opposite the compartment, thesleeve portion being constructed from a first material and a secondmaterial, the second material being more elastic than the firstmaterial.
 2. The golf club head cover of claim 1, wherein thecompartment is constructed from the first material.
 3. The golf clubhead cover of claim 1, wherein the open end is substantiallyrectangularly-shaped or substantially ovular.
 4. The golf club headcover of claim 1, wherein the compartment is selectively expandable andthe sleeve portion is selectively expandable, the sleeve portion beingexpandable independently of the compartment.
 5. The golf club head coverof claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion and the compartment define apassageway that is configured to receive a golf club head therethrough.6. The golf club head cover of claim 5, further comprising a narrowedregion that is configured to selectively expand the passageway.
 7. Thegolf club head cover of claim 1, further comprising: a top surfacehaving an arcuately-shaped portion extending between a first side and asecond side; a bottom surface having an arcuately-shaped portionextending between a first side and a second side, the arcuately-shapedportion of the bottom surface coupled to the arcuately-shaped portion ofthe top surface, the top surface and the bottom surface at leastpartially defining the head portion; a first elastic member extendingbetween the first side of the top surface and the second side of thebottom surface; and a second elastic member extending between the secondside of the top surface and the first side of the bottom surface, thefirst and the second elastic members defining a portion of the sleeveportion.
 8. The golf club head cover of claim 7, wherein the topsurface, the bottom surface, the first elastic member and the secondelastic member define the open end.
 9. The golf club head cover of claim8, wherein the open end is substantially rectangularly-shaped.
 10. Thegolf club head cover of claim 1 further comprising a handle coupled tothe top surface, the handle formed as a pocket that has an opening thatfaces in a substantially downwardly-opening direction toward the openend.
 11. A golf club head cover comprising: a body including a headportion that defines a compartment and a sleeve portion extending fromthe head portion and defining a sleeve conduit having an open end, thesleeve conduit being in communication with the compartment, the open endbeing positioned opposite the compartment, the body including: a topsurface including a substantially arcuately-shaped portion extendingbetween a first side and a second side; a bottom surface including asubstantially arcuately-shaped portion extending between a first sideand a second side, the arcuately-shaped portion of the bottom surfacebeing coupled to the arcuately-shaped portion of the top surface, thetop surface and the bottom surface at least partially defining the headportion; and an elastic member extending between the top surface and thebottom surface, the elastic member defining at least a portion of thesleeve portion.
 12. The golf club head cover of claim 11, where the topsurface and the bottom surface are constructed from a first materialthat is less elastic than the elastic member.
 13. The golf club headcover of claim 11, wherein the top surface, the bottom surface, and theelastic member define the open end.
 14. The golf club head cover ofclaim 13, wherein the open end is substantially rectangularly-shaped orsubstantially ovular.
 15. The golf club head cover of claim 11, whereinthe compartment is selectively expandable and the sleeve portion isselectively expandable, the sleeve portion being expandableindependently of the compartment.
 16. The golf club head cover of claim11, wherein the sleeve portion and the compartment define a passagewaythat is configured to allow a golf club head therethrough.
 17. The golfclub head cover of claim 16, further comprising a narrowed region thatis configured to selectively expand the passageway.
 18. The golf clubhead cover of claim 11 further comprising further comprising a handlecoupled to the top surface, the handle formed as a pocket that has anopening that faces in a substantially downwardly-opening directiontoward the open end.
 19. A golf club head cover comprising: a bodyincluding: a top surface; a bottom surface coupled to the top surface,the top surface and the bottom surface defining a compartment; a firstelastic member extending between the top surface and the bottom surface;a second elastic member extending between the top surface and the bottomsurface, the first and the second elastic members defining at least aportion of a sleeve portion, the sleeve portion in communication withthe compartment and having an open end at an end opposite thecompartment; and a narrowed region coupled between the first elasticmember and the second elastic member, the narrowed region configured toselectively expand the sleeve portion.
 20. The golf club head cover ofclaim 19, wherein the compartment is selectively expandable and thesleeve portion is selectively expandable, the sleeve portion beingexpandable independently of the compartment.